Han-nah

The past two evenings I have had the pleasure of having fairly lengthy conversations with my dear friend Hannah. We met in 2005 as teammates at TCU. I thought Hannah would be an awkward friend, being that she was home schooled (shows you how much I knew!). Over the next couple years we grew quite close and when I moved back to Lubbock to attend TTU, she made the trip and visited me.

(Hannah, me, Stephen- circa 2007)

Hannah confided in me about 3.5 years ago that she was sick. She knew she was sick, but hadn't been to the doctor. We prayed and she went to the doctor and ever since she has never been the same. She has had two surgeries and is now missing an organ. She called me tonight to tell me that after visiting with her Rheumotolgist (one of probably 5 doctors she sees on a regular basis) she was en route back to the hospital. Talk about heart breaking. After getting out of the hospital literally 1 week before our wonderful friend Claudia's wedding (which we were both bridesmaids in) she is returning to the hospital. I think even more disheartening is that she just started a job about a week ago. 

(Hannah, Lydia, me - Circa 2007, Conference Meet)

I would consider Hannah's return to the hospital (and Dr. Evils, yes, that is plural) a minor set-back, but I will say that Hannah's journey to a life without UC is a work-in-progress. She started this painful journey about a year ago and she is still with us. She is probably the strongest person (other than my father) I know. Hannah would agree with that statement. Although all athletes like to think that they have a particularly high tolerance, Hannah has shown me day-in, day-out that she is a fierce competitor and a loyal friend that isn't ready to throw in the towel.

Probably my favorite moment in the past month of struggle is when my great friend Claudia said in passing- "I am glad that this is you and not me Hannah; because I'm weak." haha The best thing is that my other friend Lydia (pictured above) and I were talking and she said that she was glad it was Hannah, because we (me included!) would have quit by now. I assured her we weren't quitters... She laughed and started things could be consider "quitting" and I, in true Kendra fashion, made excuses.

I think the only thing I have left out about Hannah is that she is my Christian inspiration. She is the person I want to be like! When I am frustrated and completely unfocused on Christ, I call Hannah. Hannah was raised by two truly extraordinary people that raised and home-schooled their FOUR children not only to be brilliant, but to love Christ and live His will everyday. EVERYDAY! Those of us that try to follow Christ's example, know how hard it is to stay focused on God's will.

If you want true inspiration, to just put your life into real perspective, to share in Hannah's journey, to offer support or to pray for her spirit and family please follow her blog (one of the reasons I started my blog!): http://www.hannah-semicolon.blogspot.com/

(me, Hannah - Claudia's wedding)

I love you Hannah.